One change for Sharks' Saturday clash
A championship side, the Chiefs come to Durban high on confidence following their victory over the Stormers last week, so ending the Cape side’s unbeaten run in this year’s tournament.
Unfortunately, the much-awaited Sonny Bill Williams’ show may not make an appearance at Growthpoint Kings Park after the dual international (rugby league and union) sustained concussion in his side’s victory over the Stormers.
A broken finger suffered by Tim Nanai-Williams in that match (he has already returned to New Zealand) means the Chiefs are likely to field a new-look midfield combination unless Sonny Bill Williams passes a late concussion test.
The Cell C Sharks by contrast will have the same centre partnership of Springboks Frans Steyn and JP Pietersen for the third consecutive match which bodes well for continuity.
Marco Wentzel replaces Pieter-Steph du Toit in the second row in the only change to the starting line-up.
The Springbok trio of Marcell Coetzee, Patrick Lambie and Cobus Reinach will all feature in this vital match.
There was doubt over their inclusion after playing five matches, but SA Rugby has confirmed that the Springbok player management agreement with the South African Super Rugby franchises is not a legally binding understanding.
Instead SA Rugby expects them to stick as close to it as possible in the interests of the Springboks.
Sharks have urged fans to soak up the matchday atmosphere ahead of this Super Rugby clash.
Come down from 2.30pm and enjoy the vibe.
The Cell C Sharks
15. SP Marais
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. JP Pietersen
12. Francois Steyn
11. Lwazi Mvovo
10. Patrick Lambie
9. Cobus Reinach
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Renaldo Bothma
6. Marcell Coetzee
5. Marco Wentzel
4. Mouritz Botha
3. Jannie du Plessis
2. Bismarck du Plessis (C)
1. Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements
16. Kyle Cooper
17. Dale Chadwick
18. Lourens Adriaanse
19. Lubabalo Mtyanda
20. Daniel du Preez
21. Conrad Hoffmann
22. Andre Esterhuizen
23. Waylon Murray
Gates open at 2.30pm for Unique Outer Fields market features, which include family fun at the home of The Sharks with Live Music, Artisanal Foods, a Beer Garden and a Kids Play Zone.
The match kicks off at 7.10 pm.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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